This budget-friendly 5-day Victoria Falls & Chobe safari combines Zimbabwe's iconic Victoria Falls with wildlife viewing in Botswana's renowned Chobe National Park. Stay at Rainbow Hotel or upgrade to the riverfront Azambezi River Lodge in Victoria Falls, then spend two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.
Experience Victoria Falls through guided tours, river activities, and scenic flights, then enjoy game drives and river safaris in Chobe National Park, home to Africa's largest elephant herds.
This 5-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Budget Lodge Safari Adventure begins with collection from the international airport in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. From the airport, you are transferred to your selected hotel and assisted with check-in.
On this tour, you have a choice between two comfortable hotels in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - A'Zambezi River Lodge or Rainbow Hotel.
In the afternoon, we embark on our scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The cruise takes about two hours, travelling downstream towards Vic Falls as far as Palm Island, before turning back upstream.
The leisurely Zambezi River cruise is the ideal way to end your first day at Victoria Falls, catching a spectacular African sunset over the tranquil river and bush. The laid-back boat cruise includes sundowners and tasty snacks to complete the experience. Hippos and crocodiles are commonly spotted from the boat, along with various other wild animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and even rhinos. An amazing array of birds can also be sighted on this mellow-paced cruise in nature.
Returning from our relaxing sunset boat cruise, we head to The Boma restaurant for a unique African culinary and cultural experience. Tucked away in an indigenous forest, The Boma offers warm Zimbabwean hospitality and tasty traditional cuisine under starry African skies. It's an evening set to delight the senses - filled with the aromas, sights, flavors, and rhythms of Africa. Tuck into the marvelous selection of Zimbabwean specialities, from game and potjiekos (meat stew) to fish and vegetarian dishes. The Boma is famous for its warthog fillet, and the adventurous can try ethnic delicacies such as Mopani worms, deep-fried kapenta fish, and groundnuts.
Amakwezi traditional performers entertain diners with their lively songs and dance, and after dinner, a local sangoma (traditional storyteller) enthrals visitors with rich tales of folklore and Zimbabwean heritage. The local customs (beer tasting and handwashing rituals) bring special detail to the night, and the mysterious witch doctor adds intrigue to this cultural feast. The evening ends on a high note with a live drumming session, which you're welcome to join.
At about 07h30 this morning, your excellent-value Victoria Falls & Chobe safari sets off on our half-day canoe trip on the Upper Zambezi River, above the spectacular Victoria Falls. The day starts with a game drive en route to our starting point at Chundu, in the Zambezi National Park. After a safety briefing by the professional river guide and a quick practice session on the water, the paddle begins. This is not a challenging paddle, navigating only small, easy rapids, and no canoeing experience is required.
We canoe along the channels of the island-dotted Zambezi River for a 15km stretch, passing alongside the banks of the Zambezi National Park.
We paddle down the Upper Zambezi at an easy pace, looking out for hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, kudus, impalas, and other wild creatures along the banks. Canoeing along the river is also a great way to spot birds, including the powerful Martial Eagle, among the over 50 bird species commonly sighted. This gentle paddle is all about soaking up the beautiful scenery and enjoying the local fauna and flora up close. Afterwards, we have a picnic lunch (drinks included) and relax on the riverbank.
This afternoon the adventure continues with a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Our guide first leads us to an ancient Baobab tree in the forest to admire the 16-meter-thick giant, simply known as the “Big Tree”, before taking us to the Falls. This guided walking tour passes through the rainforests at Vic Falls, where you may be lucky enough to see bushbuck and other wild animals.
The skilled guide explains the geology of Victoria Falls and tells you more about this epic waterfall as you walk along the entire length of Victoria Falls. The walk takes you from Livingstone View to the Devil’s Cataract to the Main Falls, and on to the Rainbow Falls and Danger Point - a full range of stunning viewpoints.
Today, we lift off on our thrilling helicopter flight. This Flight of Angels takes us on a scenic chopper ride over the thundering Victoria Falls waterfall, providing fantastic views and a whole new perspective of this natural wonder.
The 15-minute helicopter flight provides an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of the magnificent Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding bush. We fly upstream over Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, looking out for game below, and downstream over the impressive Batoka Gorge. This scenic Flight of Angels is conducted in a helicopter designed to offer each passenger superb views.
From above the falls, it is easy to see why the helicopter flight over Vic Falls is called the Flight of Angels!
Our day continues with a trip to a local village, where our knowledgeable guide takes us on a village tour, which provides insight into the lives of local Zimbabweans and their rich traditions. We visit Mpisi Village to see how the Matabele people live and find out more about their unique history and customs.
After our busy morning, it's time to cross the border into Botswana and drive to Chobe National Park. After exiting the Zimbabwe border gate, we transfer to an open 4x4 safari vehicle and head to the Botswana entry gate. En route, be prepared to stop and stand on a sanitized mat, a precaution to prevent anyone carrying Foot & Mouth or any other disease from entering the country. Once our passports have been stamped for entry into Botswana, we head off for our safari lodge in time for lunch and a little relaxation before heading out on our next adventure.
The Chobe Safari begins with a Chobe River cruise into the park, where, along with the numerous waders, we can expect to see hippos and crocodiles. Chobe is home to many herbivores, which gather at the river to drink, and some of those you can expect to see are elephants and buffalo. Lechwe and puku are often spied on the islands, and many antelopes gather on the riverbank, kudu, impala, and waterbuck being quite common. Soft drinks and water are on hand during the cruise.
We spend the next two nights at a safari lodge along the Chobe River. In Botswana, you can choose between the Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge or the upmarket Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa. Your two-night stay at Chobe is inclusive of all meals and two game-viewing activities per day. The safari activities include game drives in Chobe National Park and Chobe River boat cruises. Chobe Safari Lodge and Chobe Bush Lodge are comfortable mid-range lodges located next to each other, close to Chobe National Park. Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is a luxury lodge with a golf course in Kasane. All three lodges are set on the banks of the Chobe River, surrounded by green lawns, amongst trees and lush gardens that attract wildlife and an abundance of birds.
Our excellent-value Victoria Falls & Chobe safari has an early wake-up this morning for our exciting game drive in Chobe National Park. Sunrise is the best time of day to spot diurnal wildlife when birds and animals are more active, making this an excellent time for game viewing. Chobe National Park incorporates about 11,700 km² of beautiful wilderness habitat, ranging from open grasslands and lush floodplains to dense woodlands.
We are extremely likely to see elephants, as Chobe is famous for its massive elephant population, hosting one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world. Zebra, giraffe, warthog, hyenas, cheetahs, and the remaining members of the Big Five - leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. Herds of buffalo and antelopes are commonly sighted, too, including sable and impala. Other antelope species that we may see include kudu, wildebeest, tsessebe, roan, bushbuck, waterbuck, puku, and more.
After our game drive, we retreat to the lodge to have lunch and rest during the hottest part of the day. This afternoon, we embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River, again enjoying sundowners along the way. Chobe Park is home to over 450 bird species, so keep an eye out for the amazing array of birds to be found here. Watching a blissful sunset from the boat is an ideal way to end the day.
Don't forget to take your camera. A hat or cap, and sunscreen are essential, and binoculars are useful too. This evening dinner is served at the lodge, followed by free time at the bar and around the campfire.
On Day 5, after breakfast, it's time to pack up and cross the border again into Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may choose to extend your time here to experience more adventure activities as listed below. Otherwise, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport, where this 5-Day Victoria Falls Zimbabwe & Chobe Budget Lodge Safari Adventure comes to an end.
The A'Zambezi River Lodge is the only lodge located along the Zambezi River on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. This resort-style lodge is set outside of Victoria Falls town on the edge of the Zambezi National Park and is an ideal spot to unwind. Famed for its African-style design, the thatched-roofed rooms blend with its lush riverside gardens. Along with en-suite facilities, the rooms offer air-conditioning, mosquito nets and repellent, in-room tea and coffee-making facilities, and satellite TV.
Cool off in the sparkling pool, enjoy some retail therapy in the gift shop, and meet fellow guests in one of the two bars and two restaurants overlooking the Zambezi.
The Rainbow Hotel is located in Victoria Falls town on the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls waterfall. This medium-sized hotel is set in an indigenous forest and is ideal for families.
The comfortable rooms have their own balconies, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, high-speed wifi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel features a swimming pool with a poolside bar, a restaurant, a lounge, and lovely gardens. The staff offers personal and attentive service, creating a friendly atmosphere. Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel is within walking distance of Victoria Falls National Park and the center of Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, making it a convenient base for adventure activities and exploring.
Situated on the banks of the elephant-rich Chobe River, with sweeping lawns forming the riverbank, Chobe Safari Lodge offers comfortable, en-suite rooms with bath and shower facilities. Other amenities include air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, satellite TV, and a private patio. The room's private patio provides the ideal spot for watching the passing parade along the Chobe River.
The lodge's restaurant features cuisine based on the indigenous and rich flavors of Africa. Meet fellow guests in one of the two bars, both of which offer spectacular views. On those hot summer days, cool off in the lodge's pool.
Chobe Bush Lodge is based in Kasane along the Chobe River. With its modern, contemporary design, each of the luxury rooms features an open-plan bathroom with both bath and shower facilities, as well as air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Wi-fi is available in public areas.
Each room has a private outdoor area, be it a patio on ground-floor rooms or a balcony on the upper rooms. The public area has a restaurant, bar and a poolside lounge area. With Chobe Safari Lodge being in close proximity, guests are welcome to wander over there to explore the lodge's facilities.
The Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa (named after a local species of tree) is a unique experience of comfort, gourmet African-inspired cuisine, and warm personalized hospitality. This tranquil lodge features a spa for ultimate relaxation and two lovely pools to cool off in. Superb accommodation in standard rooms, from which to explore this untamed part of Africa with its wealth of wildlife on your doorstep. Mowana Lodge guests can choose two game activities for each night booked - either a Chobe Game Drive or a Chobe River cruise.
Experience the African Bush along the banks of the Zambezi River on the back of a horse. This Horseback Safari will allow you to get up close and personal with several game species endemic to the area, including duiker, bushbuck, warthog, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
The horse ride is conducted under the expert guidance of game rangers. The Horseback Safari is designed for inexperienced riders and for those who have had considerable riding experience. You will be grouped with riders of similar experience to your own to ensure you get the most out of your outing. A perfect way to assimilate with the natural game of the area.
The ultimate place for riverboarding - the Zambezi River has the necessary volume of water and few exposed rocks in its rapids and pools, making it ideal for this exhilarating activity.
Riverboarding on the Zambezi can be done as a half or full-day activity and is combined with rafting in an action-packed and thrilling adventure. Along the way, stops are made to relax and play between rapids, and clients always have the option of switching to the backup raft. The riverboarding adventures are led by trained and professional guides with first aid certificates to ensure your safety.
The White Water Rafting experience on the mighty Zambezi has been described as the best commercial white water rafting experience in the world. This exciting full-day excursion on the mighty Zambezi River is a fantastic experience for those with a sense of adventure.
The day is all about clean water, a healthy helping of African sunshine, and a dose of exercise; all this against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world the spectacular Victoria Falls.
The day begins early with a briefing and breakfast. It's then off on your adventure, where you will tackle some Grade 5 rapids under the expert guidance of world-class guides. Lunch is included. At the end of the day, you will be lifted out of the gorge where you will be met with cold drinks and beers. At the end of the white water rafting excursion, you get to watch a DVD of your thrilling day of Zambezi rafting.
A truly exhilarating experience!
Plunge off the Victoria Falls Bridge, falling 111 meters into the Batoka Gorge below!
Experience a pure and extreme adrenaline rush as you plummet into the narrow gorge, flanked by Victoria Falls waterfall! More than 50 000 people have taken on the challenge of bungee jumping off this bridge, where you dangle over the Zambezi River.
Both ankle and body harnesses are used, and photographs or videos of your leap can be purchased to capture the heart-racing experience.
See our 4-Day Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Budget Lodge Safari staying at Victoria Falls with just a day drive to Chobe National Park for wildlife viewing.
See our 6-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange Budget Lodge Safari in Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls combined with a complete wildlife viewing experience in Chobe and Hwange Reserves
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
This Budget African Safari to Botswana & Zimbabwe lodges, visits Victoria Falls, the Chobe Region of Botswana & Hwange Park, Zimbabwe. An authentic African lodge safari for superb game viewing in elephant safari hotspots.
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The Zimbabwe Safari to Victoria Falls and Hwange Park is an authentic African Wildlife Safari, staying at a grand Victoria Falls hotel and a comfy eco-safari lodge in a private reserve at Hwange Park.
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